The 32nd Festival Automobile International at the Hôtel des Invalides in Paris, France, has selected the Renault TreZor as the Most Beautiful Concept Car of 2016.
Awarded by a Jury of representatives from the motorsport, architecture, fashion, design, art and media industries, the grand prize is given to the most beautiful and interesting projects of the year, focusing on art and automobile design.
“I would like to thank the jury for this award which inspires us to continue to pursue our design strategy,” says Laurens van den Acker, SVP Corporate Design, Renault.
“The TreZor’s powerful, sensuous lines pave the way for the styling and technologies that will be features of our upcoming models. It also marks the beginning of a new cycle of Renault concept cars.”
van den Acker is regarded as on of the best design leaders in the car business. He began his career working on the Bugatti EB110 supercar, before moving to America for a position at Ford Motor Company where he worked on concept and production vehicles for the company, including the Ford Escape.
In may 2006 he took the reigns at Mazda as global head of design, producing multiple concept vehicles before joining Renault in May 2009.
"The jury decided this award should go to the TreZor because of the extreme beauty, sensuality and elegance it exudes,” observes Rémi Depoix, President of the Festival Automobile International.
“It is the epitome of a concept car and we were notably won over by the cohesion of its overall design and the attention that has been paid to the details. It is a fine creative work which, we hope, will inspire Renault’s future road going models.”
Jurers praised the TreZor's exterior design for its warm, sensuous and refined lines. The interior placed an emphasis on driving enjoyment, whilst incorporating a large touchscreen display. Renaults use of wood and leather in the interior was also a clear hit among the panel.
At 4.7m long, 2.1m wide and just over 1m tall the TreZor certainly grabs your attention with physical appearance alone, but unlike most concepts, what lies underneath is equally noteworthy.
The electric power train works - Renault were one of the early tech partners of the Formula E series and the TreZor is equipped with the benefits of that development.
The 260kW (350bhp), 282Nm engine is hooked up to the same 'recharge energy storage system' seen in Formula E, a system that would be one of the most tested electric drive train units around.
The Renault TreZor beat the Aston Martin RB001, Ds E-TENSE and Jaguar I-Pace in the concept car division.
